Condoms are the best defense against STDs—keep them on hand. Make sure you have some polyurethane condoms, too, in case your partner is allergic to latex.
Make sure your condoms are useable. If they’ve been exposed to excessive heat or light—or are just plain old—they may be damaged and unsafe.
Step 2.
Exchange sexual histories
Exchange sexual histories with your partner before sex. Have either of you had an STD? Ask about incurable diseases such as HIV, genital herpes, and Human Papilloma virus.
Step 3.
Ask about high-risk behaviors
Ask about high-risk behaviors like intravenous drug use, anal sex, and sex with prostitutes.
Remember, people often lie about sex.
Step 4.
Put on condom
When everyone’s ready, unroll a condom over the tip of the erect penis after pulling back any foreskin. Pinch the top half-inch of the condom to prevent air bubbles and leave room for ejaculate.
Step 5.
Use spermicide
Use a spermicide—or a condom with a spermicidal lubricant—for further protection against pregnancy. Follow the product’s directions.
Step 6.
Hold condom when ejaculating
When the man ejaculates, he should hold the condom firmly at the base so it stays put and fluids don’t leak out.
Applying a water-based lubricant to the vagina or anus can help keep the condom from breaking. Avoid oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly and baby oil, which can weaken latex.
Step 7.
Use a dental dam
If you plan on performing oral-to-vaginal or oral-to-anal sex, make sure you use a dental dam.
If you don’t have one on hand, you can use non-microwaveable plastic wrap instead.
Step 8.
Monitor yourself
After the encounter, monitor yourself for symptoms of STDs, which include burning or itching sensations, unusual discharge, and the appearance of sores or growths around your genitals.
It can take two or three days for symptoms to appear, and some STDs cause no symptoms at all.
Step 9.
Be consistent
Check for STD annually, even if you think you’re in a monogamous relationship.
Al Capone, Charles Baudelaire, Franz Schubert, and Friedrich Nietzsche all died of syphilis.
Ladies, you can keep your condoms safe in a Just In Case compact!
Looks like a makeup compact with a hidden compartment for two condoms.
http://www.JustInCaseInc.com
The most popular spermicide is Nonoxynol-9, which has been show to be an irritant and can actually make the transmissions of HIV and other STIs more likely. Learn more about it before you use it, most sex educators don't encourage it anymore: http://std.about.com/od/prevention/a/n9increaserisk.htm
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